Mitochondrial-arginine Theory of Ageing

Despite the efforts of scientists, the problems of premature ageing, as well as diseases such as cancer, diabetes, herpes zoster, osteoporosis, and others remain unresolved. Guanidine compounds have a strong effect on these processes. We have proposed the mechano-chemiosmotic model, where the electron transfer in the ETC, a cyclic low-amplitude swelling shrinkage of mitochondria, and ATP synthesis are coupled. According to the mechano-chemiosmotic mechanism, energy transformation both in the synthesis of ATP and in the hydrolysis of ATP in the muscles occurs with the direct participation of amino acid residues of arginine and lysine. In addition, arginine and lysine are involved in many processes in the cell metabolism. We believe that ageing begins with a decrease in arginine synthesis due to mitochondrial dysfunction associated with low mobility. It is necessary to maintain the arginine content in the organism by taking it exogenously, and the lysine content of an essential amino acid must be constantly replenished.